MPs are pushing back against the Speaker's ruling on the treatment of a Maori elder in House.

Assistant Speaker Maureen Pugh demanded the Whakatohea kaumatua stop - as he tried to introduce a waiata.

Speaker Gerry Brownlee has supported Pugh - but Labour leader Chris Hipkins says a karakia's often given before waiata - and he's never seen a Speaker interrupt. 

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the controversy here today. 

LISTEN ABOVE

MPs are pushing back against the Speaker's ruling on the treatment of a Maori elder in House.
Assistant Speaker Maureen Pugh demanded the Whakatohea kaumatua stop - as he tried to introduce a waiata.
Speaker Gerry Brownlee has supported Pugh - but Labour leader Chris Hipkins says a karakia's often given before waiata - and he's never seen a Speaker interrupt. 
ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the controversy here today. 
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.